Global smartwatch shipments have declined by 7% in 2024, according to Counterpoint Research, marking the first-ever annual drop. Apple, a leading player in the wearables space, saw its shipments fall 19% year-over-year, contributing significantly to the slowdown.
The decline of Apple Watch sales on its 10th anniversary is attributed to several factors, including the lack of an Ultra 3 model and minimal feature upgrades. Patent disputes also affected early 2024 shipments.
Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch series saw a 3% growth in sales, driven by strong demand for new models like the Galaxy Watch 7, Ultra, and FE Series. China became the top global market for smartwatches, with Huawei experiencing a significant increase of 35%.
Despite the decline in 2024, analysts predict a modest rebound in 2025 as both Android and iOS smartwatches integrate AI-powered health tracking features, addressing conditions like sleep apnea, hypertension, and diabetes.
Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/apple-watch-sales-drop-19-203830564.html